DLSU and GCash launch fintech engineering elective for undergraduates

De La Salle University and GCash have launched a fintech engineering elective for undergraduate students to build a pipeline of locally trained technology talent. The NextGen Tech Builders Program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training and a fintech capstone project.

De La Salle University (DLSU) and GCash have launched a fintech engineering elective for undergraduate students as the companies seek to build a stronger pipeline of locally trained technology talent needed to support the Philippines’ expanding digital economy.

The NextGen Tech Builders Program, which began with DLSU’s Term 1 classes, brings GCash’s industry practices into the university curriculum through classroom instruction, hands-on training and a fintech capstone project. The program allows students to gain practical experience in technologies used to develop and operate large-scale digital platforms, including Java, Spring Boot, cloud computing and microservices.

GCash will provide course materials and cloud-based laboratory environments as part of the elective, giving students access to tools and development practices used in the fintech industry. The partnership comes as digital financial services continue to increase demand for technology workers with specialised skills in software development, cloud infrastructure and other areas needed to operate digital platforms.

Rather than limiting industry training to post-graduate recruitment, the program brings the training closer to the university level, allowing GCash to help develop potential technology hires before they enter the workforce. The initiative builds on GCash’s technology cadetship model and gives students a potential pathway into the company. Students who complete the elective will have access to fast-tracked pathways into technical roles at GCash.

DLSU students were also introduced to the new elective and its fintech track through a forum featuring Ding, a DLSU alumnus and member of the GCash Cadetship Program Batch 2023, who shared their experience working in the fintech sector.

“DLSU is committed to preparing our students not only with strong academic foundations but also with the practical skills and industry exposure they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving technology landscape,” DLSU College of Computer Studies Dean Ethel Ong said in a statement. “Through this collaboration with GCash, we are creating opportunities for our students to learn directly from industry practices and better prepare for meaningful careers in fintech and technology,” she added.

“Technology talent is critical to the continued growth of the digital economy, and we believe that developing that talent should begin well before students enter the workforce,” Mynt Chief People Officer Robert Gonzales said. “Through the NextGen Tech Builders Program, we are bringing our industry experience into the classroom to help students build practical, relevant skills and create a stronger pipeline of locally trained fintech engineers,” he added.